Virtual Hike of Crescent Mine Grade (CMG)

Overview

Features: Views — Wildflowers

Description

Crescent Mine Grade is a former mining road with an extremely consistent grade. Start hiking on a skinny packed dirt path that contours around the hill crossing untold numbers of identical looking ski runs, ducking in and out of shady aspen groves.

At the intersection with Mid Mountain Trail, hook a sharp right onto Mid Mountain Trail - this will be used to connect the two pieces of CMG. You'll only stay on Mid Mountain Trail a short time until you reach a steep dirt road (Claim Jumper). Instead of following Mid Mountain Trail straight across, descend the dirt road about 15 feet and pick up the signed Crescent Mine Grade on the right.

Continue your journey across wildflower laden ski runs, down gentle grades with some slightly looser, rocky patches. Take care at the junction of Jenni's Trail, this area can be congested with other users. (Note: the CMG trail is open for downhill biking only from Lower Jenni's Trail to the bottom. Watch for the permissible uphill and downhill biking on CMG higher than Lower Jenni's Trail.)

The shrieks and yells you hear towards the bottom of CMG are not the hapless victims of sasquatch attacks - instead they come from the zip line/alpine slide/roller coaster circus at the base area. Stop and watch if you're interested, the trail goes very close to the tracks in several places.